The White Dragon

A ROYAL WEDDING

THE WHITE DRAGON CHAPTER 22 : A ROYAL WEDDING

A FANFICTION ON HBO'S HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

AERYS TARGARYEN

Aerys stands inside his new residence in the tower of the hand and glances out of the window and down into the city below, watching as merchants and street vendors proudly display their wares under great vibrant bolts of cloth or red, black, green and blue.

"Grand Maester Orwyle is here as requested my lord Hand." Ser Rymun says entering the office and Aerys nods before taking a seat and watches as Orwyle enters the room, and Ser Rymun leaves. Aerys motions for Orwyle to take a seat and watches with curious eyes as Orwyle settles into the seat and clears his throat nervously "You asked to speak to me, my Lord hand."

"Yes, it seems that your former master had become corrupt and became a threat to the royal family. I just wanted to make sure that you were not in that similar position." Aerys says pouring a glass of water for himself and one for Orwyle.

The maester takes the glass and gulps it down, while fidgeting slightly at Aerys' cold stare before leaning back into his seat "I assure you, my loyalty is unquestioned to the man who secured my position as Grand Maester."

Aerys rubs at his chin, feeling the growing beard come in, making a mental note to shave it off later as he raises an eye, obviously impressed at Orwyle's understanding at the invitation. Aerys needed allies on the small council and while Lyonel was a good man and approved of Aerys' decisions so far, a man who owes his entire career to Aerys will be far more loyal than an approving man.

"Good then I need you to make note of a few things for me." Aerys says mystically and Orwyle licks his dry lips before carefully asking, most likely afraid of the answer "And what exactly must I make note of?"

"Mellos told me that Queen Ellyn often came to him and requested moon tea to be made for her. A most curious thing you would agree, for a Queen whose had so few children to ask for batches of moon tea." Aerys says taking a sip of his water. "You wish for me to record each time that she comes to me for a new dose of moon tea?" Orwyle asks while tilting his head and Aerys nods "I believe that there are plots circulating through court and I wish to get ahead of them. The Reynes are a powerful and rich house in the Westerlands yet they are still vassals to the Lannisters, but in the span of three years they have risen far above their station. A Reyne Queen and Reyne noble children."

"If it is not to forward of me to ask, but how is that any worse than your children with Lady Alicent Hightower." Orwyle asks and Aerys sighs "While it is true that the Hightowers are also a vassal, I am no longer in the direct line of succession. In order for me to be king, something of disastrous proportions must occur in which Viserys' line is wiped out. If anything I would say Alicent married lower than she deserved. Every day I look at her and I feel as if I have failed her in some regard." Aerys clears his throat and sniffles slightly "Anyway I hope I can count on your support and loyalty in the future."

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ALICENT HIGHTOWER

Alicent walks towards her husband's study ready to confront him on Ellyn's words but stops when she catches the end bit of Aerys' conversation with the new Grand Maester, her husband's words  soft and layered with a small sense of sadness "If anything I would say Alicent married lower than she deserved. Every day I look at her and I feel as if I have failed her in some regard."

Alicent's breath hitches the want to confront her husband placed in the back of her mind at Aerys' words. She had a feeling since he returned from the war that he felt guilty. Whether it be from the long time he was gone, Gwayne's death or a mix of both Alicent would never know.